Boxing News: Valuev Meets Barrett in Windy City

CHICAGO—Americans will get their chance to see undefeated 7-foot, 325-pound Nikolai “Giant Russian” Valuev, who has vowed to “conquer America” when he makes the second defense of his WBA title against Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., on Oct. 7.

A stellar world championship co-feature has been added with undefeated WBC champion Tomasz Adamek, from Poland, facing Australian Paul “Hurricane” Briggs in a rematch. Their first meeting, in Chicago, was a brutal display of wills so special it has been remembered as one of last year’s finest bouts.

An IBF lightweight elimination bout scheduled for 12 rounds will also be included with No. 5-ranked contender Matt “Boom Boom” Zegan, from Wroclaw, Poland, taking on No. 9-ranked Nate Campbell, from Jacksonville, Fla., for the No. 1 position.

A three-city media tour hosted by Don King and Valuev’s German-based promoter Wilfried Sauerland to introduce to America the tallest, heaviest, first Russian and currently longest-reigning world heavyweight champion is planned for the last week in August with stops in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Tickets priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, with a limited number of golden circle seats available at $500, go on sale Monday at 11 a.m. at the Allstate Arena box office (847-635-6601), online at Ticketmaster.com or through charge by phone by calling (312) 559-1212.